Tag Archives: synthetic marijuana

Synthetic marijuana, often known as K2 or Spice, has become popular among younger children as an alternative to regular marijuana and other drugs. Children and teenagers are more likely to use the drug over organic marijuana because these substances can often be found at gas stations and convenience stores around the country. However, synthetic marijuana is extremely dangerous, even after very little use. In fact, there have been hundreds of incidents across the nation of people using different variations of the drug and having seizures, psychotic episodes and even becoming homicidal or suicidal.

One of the main problems with synthetic marijuana is that there is very little known about the drug. This is not a drug that is being produced in any regulated laboratory, so there is no type of oversight whatsoever. Despite the fact that many states have banned the substances, chemists overseas who make the drugs alter their formulas to circumvent the laws to keep more drugs filling the shelves.

In order to find out more about synthetic marijuana, a research team has been granted nearly $3 million to study the these drugs. Scientists at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have committed to a five-year study that will look into the effects of synthetic marijuana use. This is especially important because the phenomenon is relatively new, and not much is known about the long term implications of the drug.

“Synthetic cannabinoid products such as K2 and Spice are deceptively marketed as safe and legal alternatives to marijuana, but admissions to emergency rooms and calls to poison control centers suggest that they are certainly not safe,” said Paul Prather, Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator and professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. “Users of these products are experiencing psychosis, seizures, heart attacks and even death.”

In addition to studying the long term effects of synthetic marijuana, scientists also hope to find out more about the type of people that are most likely to use the drug. This information would help lawmakers and public officials in creating specialized public service announcements, targeting key demographics. More information about it can also help treatment professionals counteract the effects of the drug and develop specialized protocols, if needed.

One of the fastest growing categories of substance abuse is the use of synthetic drugs. It is also potentially one of the most dangerous since the toxic chemicals are produced in labs then added to something and packaged to attract young people. In the case of synthetic marijuana, the drug usually starts out in a liquid form that is then sprayed on dried leaves.

Officials warn that even though the contents may look similar to marijuana, the chemicals don’t resemble THC and users often have no idea with the effects of them will be.

What’s worse, is that use of these drugs continues to grow across the country, especially by younger populations. The drugs are often labeled as incense or potpourri and are sold under names like Scooby Snax, K2, Spice and many others.

According to American Association of Poison Control Centers, there have been 4,377 incidents of people suffering the effects of synthetic marijuana so far this year, compared to 3,682 in all of last year.

Speaking at a recent press conference, New York Police Commissioner William Bratton called the drug “weaponized marijuana,” referring to its toxicity as well as the reports of violence connected to it. He and described it as “a great and growing concern.” Bratton later told CNN, “these dangerous products do not belong on store shelves within our neighborhoods and are a threat to public health.”

New York City EMS reported more than 400 cases of transports involving suspected synthetic marijuana in one month, and around 100 overdoses per month admitted to Bellevue Hospital alone.

While law enforcement officials and legislators work to keep the chemicals out of places like gas stations and convenience stores, the biggest defense is having a more effective drug prevention campaign so young people know to avoid these toxins.

Synthetic marijuana, which is often called Spice, has been the cause of thousands of people being sent to the ER in a recent spike. The drug is designed to mimic the effects of marijuana and can be purchased in many convenience stores or gas stations throughout the country. While it is billed as synthetic marijuana, the effects of the drug are intense, dangerous and sometimes deadly. As synthetic marijuana gains more popularity among youth and young adults, hospitals are noticing an alarming trend of users having to be admitted due to complications from ingesting the drug.

Emergency calls aren’t just coming from individuals who have taken the drug, they’re coming from institutions as well. “It’s been more than 90 percent hospitals this year. It’s not, ‘Hey, I smoked this thing and I don’t feel well.’ It’s, ‘This guy’s trying to tear up the E.R. and we have him locked down in restrains. We don’t know what he’s taken. What do we do?’” explained a 911 operator employee.

Reports have come in regarding the types of calls poison control centers and DEA field offices have received throughout the country. The amount of people who have had adverse effects from synthetic marijuana have increased four times since 2014.

The drug often appeals to the younger generation because it can be easily purchased and some variations are still not technically illegal. It usually comes in little packages with bright colors and is often labeled as some type of potpourri or incense. People who use this drug really have no idea what they’re going to be ingesting, as it is a chemical cocktail sprayed on some dried leaves. Common side effects can include paranoia, extreme depression, auditory and visual hallucinations, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behavior, seizures and other complications.